Who doesn’t struggle with buying gifts at Christmas?! Sometimes ideas come randomly, like yesterday. I was online searching for festive holiday drinks, and this one reminded me of of a very important mentor in my daughter’s life. Although I haven’t bought a gift for her since my daughter has gone off to university, I couldn’t resist making this up for her!
The idea of giving a gift card or money always felt like a lame gift in my mind. But my mind is shifting, and I know how appreciative a teenager or young adult is to find these under the tree. It is very difficult to find that “perfect” gift that won’t end up in a closet. Just think for a minute about how much they like to shop! If you have a gift in mind, buy the gift card and ask them to share what they purchased. It’s fun to find out which colour or style they picked. Maybe shop online with them after Christmas as they pick out that perfect item.
A gift of food is almost always appreciated. Who could resist the taste of fruit harvested and bottled at their peak in the cold months of winter. And buying direct from a small farm or local producer is like giving twice. Check out your local market and maybe you will find a great pesto, or bottle of pasta sauce. Pair it with some pasta and a lovely tea towel (who wants to pull a dingy one out of the drawer).
The latest trend is the gift of an experience. Keep in mind your budget, then explore ideas. Maybe it’s a dream balloon ride, or a dog-sled adventure (some year I will buy this for my mom!) Want to make it even more special, join them! What grandparent wouldn’t appreciate the gift of your time. Plan a hike, or a drive to see someplace new, or a favourite haunt from past. Buy tickets to the theatre for both of you. Add dinner out, or a home cooked meal if a restaurant is not in your budget.
Wrapping gifts of food, gift cards and experiences requires a bit more thought and creativity. Tuck tickets to an outdoor winter event into a pair of warm mittens. This blogger has a list of experience gifts, and suggestions for wrapping. If you’re not creative there are a multitude of gift boxes and tins on the market, and many are reusable year after year. Why not challenge a friend or family to regift you the box next year, with a fun experience gift you can do together! A gift giving tradition that can be passed on year after year.
There has been much discussion in the media lately about the negative effects clutter can have on our mental and physical well being. Consumerism in our society has created a feeling that we need “this” or “that” to make our lives easier. I’m not buying into that trend anymore………simple is better on so many levels. The new trend of “less is more” is slowly catching on. Let’s embrace it.